About

As a communicator she often challenges the traditional model of the public relations industry, pushing for relationship development and two-way communication with a lens of inclusivity. She counters the sometimes hollow position of the PR industry by offering strategic counsel and technical assistance in a variety of topical areas, including (but certainly not limited to):

operationalizing an organization, and developing communication channels to showcase the organization's sustainability;

multicultural strategies;

community led design/development processes;

facilitating the intangible - like emotions and truth vs fact - that leads to documented outcomes;

consideration of human behavior and social services and how each informs how we communicate;

social and cultural resilience, and how years of trauma - also coined as Community PTSD by Jarmon - impact long-term community and neighborhood development;

the understanding of language (how we use words) and how its access or lack of informs a communication process; and

the presentation of intercultural communications and how it works alongside inclusion and equity programming.

A part of Jarmon's depth, has positioned her as one of the leading community engagement strategists in Nashville. With years of experience working on many notable initiatives, she is most known for her innovative and disruptive communication programs - translating grasstops campaigns into actionable, grassroots initiatives. Specifically, she leads her team through a proven methodology - listen, educate, engage, collaborate, empower - that is custom-fit for each process with measurement and pivot points included as necessary.

Jarmon’s commitment to the community and communications industry has attributed to recognition by the 100 Black Women of Nashville with the Susan Short Jones Emerging Leader award, the Minority Business Center as Minority Business of the Year, the Middle Tennessee Diversity Forum as “Woman to Watch”, and the Nashville Business Journal’s “Top Forty Under 40” and “Women of Influence”, among others.

With a heart for philanthropy and mentorship, she has successfully graduated more than 20 young women from the Mentorship Project, a non-traditional weekend school for aspiring PR professionals. Additionally, she launched the MEPR Agency Innovation Fund, her company's micro-business grant for small businesses.

Kia Jarmon is a highly sought after speaker, known as kiss with a fist, bringing candid yet caring workshops, training, and facilitation within the Southeast. She is also a trained and listed Rule 31 Civil Mediator and navigates the intersection between conflict and communication.

In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Jarmon serves on the Metropolitan Beer Permit board and is a co-chair for the PRSA Nashville diversity committee. She is also a consultant with the Center for Nonprofit Management.

AWARD WINNING BUSINESS OWNER

Because of her work, she's won some incredible awards. However, while the awards are appreciated, her mission is to use the platform these awards provide to enhance representation among students of color in the communications field. She often mentors and guides young people to showcase what consistent focus and being a forever learner will provide you.